WIDNES Vikings have announced the signings of forwards Ben Cross and Hep Cahill as they continue to build for Super League in 2012.

Australian Cross has recently joined Wigan Warriors on a short-term deal until the end of the current season. He had previously been plying his trade with Leeds this year before falling out of favour with Rhinos' boss Brian McDermott.

The Vikings will be looking to the 32-year-old to show his true worth in the front-row next term after they confirmed he had inked a one-year deal.

Cahill will be joining Widnes from the Wrexham-based Crusaders.

The 24 year-old New Zealander, who previously played for Melbourne Storm in the NRL, is a hard-running second-row forward who should add significantly to the Vikings’ attacking firepower.

Widnes coach Denis Betts is delighted with his two new acquisitions.

He said: “Ben will bring a massive appetite for work and an enormous amount of enthusiasm with him, in both a playing and mentoring capacity.

“He’s determined to play in Super League and his age dictates that he’s motivated and ready to kick on for the duration of his one-year contract and I’ve no doubt whatsoever that he’ll give us the experience up-front that we’ll need when we’re back in the top flight.

"For the likes of Ben Kavanagh and the other young front-rowers at the club to work alongside someone of his pedigree and experience will be invaluable and can only benefit them.”